It’s no fun arriving late for the party, especially when it's 15 years late. Since the 2000 model 306 GTI-6, Peugeot has been busy building some other fine front wheel drive fare, like the RCZ-R and 208 GTI 30th Anniversary.
But now they’re back with this, the 308 GTI, a potent new hot hatch built to go head-to-head with Volkswagen’s definitive Golf GTI. And on paper at least, the Peugeot should knock its socks off. You can get the new 308 GTI in two versions, the 250 with 184kW or this one, the 270 with 200kW. The difference between the two aren’t just in the mapping either.
The wheels and tyres are specced up from 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 3s to super sticky 19-inch Pilot Super Sports. The front brakes have been upgraded to Alcon four-piston calipers with bit 380mm rotors. The electronic diff gives way for a proper Torsen mechanical diff.
It’s all real stuff, not simply software magic. The interior is a blend of clean lines and quality materials, with double stitched leather, alcantara and frosted silver accents. The high-mounted instruments and tiny steering wheel remain hallmarks of modern Peugeot’s, while almost all the buttons have been banished to the touchscreen.
